reporter

When building your truck or Jeep, there are a variety of suspension options to choose from. One of them that is seldom overlooked is what type of coil spring you’re going to get. Coil springs (aka helical springs) can be manufactured different ways, affecting the way they perform. There are two basic types that we refer to in the off-road world: linear rate (aka single-rate) springs and progressive rate (aka variable rate) coil springs. You can get variations of both from multiple manufacturers for almost any 4x4 out there, and the more you know about your purchasing choices ahead of time, the happier you’ll be with your suspension. So get ready for a quick crash course in coil springs! http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/01-5-1024x618.jpg Spring Rate We should quickly explain the spring rate of a coil spring. The listed spring rate of a coil is the amount required to compress that spring by one inch. If you have a 300lb rated coil spring, it will take 300 pounds to compress the spring one inch. This spring rating is the same regardless of coil spring height or diameter—both of which can vary greatly depending on application. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/02a-1024x688.jpg Linear Rate Coil Springs Linear springs are single-rate springs that do not change spring rate as they are compressed. If you were dealing with a 350lb coil, it would take 350 pounds to compress that coil spring one inch (and 700 pounds to compress it two inches). The rate does not change as the coil spring compresses. They have the same spacing between the coil winds and the size of the coil wire remains the same. The advantages of a linear coil spring? They will be your best choice for handling and load hauling performance. They will also give the most feedback to the driver and be the easiest to match (over progressive-rates) with a set of shocks. The disadvantages? A coil spring with only a single rate will ride rougher down the road. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/03a-704x1024.jpg Progressive Rate Coil Springs Progressive-rate coil springs are also called variable-rate coils springs, and have a spring rate that increases as the coil compresses from free length (unloaded). This style of spring is manufactured in an effort to soften the ride. A progressive-rate coil spring can be made a couple different ways that you can visually identify. The first is with a difference in the spacing between the coil winds—the stiffer rate has more spacing between the winds and the softer rate has less (spacing). A true progressive-rate coil will have minimal spacing between the coil winds at the top and the spacing will grow and grow the further down you go on the coil. The second way to make a progressive-rate coil is with a varying wire diameter. We more often see the variation of distance between the coil winds in the off-road world. The advantage of a progressive-rate coil spring setup? Not only do progressive springs give a smoother ride over small bumps, but they also make the suspension stiffer more quickly as it compresses. They are ideal for a compromise between a spring stiff enough to do the work duty required and one soft enough to suck up the bumps of a rough road. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/03b-1024x683.jpg The disadvantage of a progressive-rate coil? They can be hard to match with a shock. Because the spring rate changes as the coil compresses, it can be tricky to get the valving just right in the shock to make a perfect package. They will also diminish vehicle handling over a single-rate coil spring. It should be noted that many dual-rate coil springs are incorrectly labeled as “progressive rate” or “variable rate.” In fact, more often than not, we tend to use dual-rate coil springs than true progressive-rate coil springs in the off-road world. A dual-rate coil spring can be spotted by two starkly different spacings in the coil winds on the same spring, with a rate transition range in between. These are often easier to setup up on trucks and correctly valve the shocks to match, but do not have a exponentially growing spring rate as the coil spring compresses. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/04-6-741x1024.jpg Lift Height Pay attention to the spring rate when purchasing lift springs. Think about this: A 2” lift coil could have a shorter free length (uncompressed length) than your factory coil springs but have a stiffer spring rate that still gives your vehicle 2 inches of lift. Or you could have a longer coil spring with a softer spring rate that give your vehicle 2 inches of lift. Generally, most lift coils will have a longer free length than a stock coil, but the additional length can vary depending on the spring rate of the coil springs. Wherever you’re at in the process, give us a call or shoot us an email, and our helpful to team will be happy to help you make decisions and advise you along the way.

If you are the kind of person who spends every weekend, holiday, and vacation going off-roading, you are probably familiar with what gear is needed for a successful trip. However, if you are new to off-roading or have been prone to unfortunate mishaps, you may be curious about what essentials to take when you head out. Fortunately, there are quite a few tools and accessories that you can bring along that will increase your off-roading enjoyment and minimize the amount of time you spend stuck in the mud or snow. Before acquiring any of the things listed below, you should make sure your vehicle is equipped with some essential features. Most importantly, vehicles should always have a good winch and plenty of storage space, whether from a roof rack or other customization. Beyond that, there are several key accessories that you will need to keep yourself from getting stranded, including the following: Recovery Kit A recovery kit is an absolute must-have for anyone planning to go off-roading, especially if the vehicle is not equipped with a winch. Recovery kits have a few handy items for off-road enthusiasts, including a recovery strap, a couple of shackles, gloves, and a recovery bag to store the items in the kit. Using a strap and shackles is the easiest way to free a stuck vehicle without a winch, so the recovery kit must always be securely stored where the driver can reach it easily. Good recovery kits come with straps with a webbed construction that are far less likely to break than chains. High Quality 4x4 Winch Line from Bubba Rope You should be sure the strap or winch line you are using has a breaking strength at least three times higher than the weight of your off-roading vehicle, but it is better if it is four times higher. Checkout Our Various Bubba Rope Products! Shackles will be used to connect the strap to both the vehicle that is stuck and the one responsible for freeing it. Work Light Off-roading is thrilling, but it is not without its trials. Problems can be unpredictable, so it is best to be as prepared as possible for any outcome. This includes having to be out after the sun goes down. Having a high-quality work light ready to go will make any recovery or repair go a lot smoother in the dark. In fact, it is probably better to have a few offroad emergency lighting options on-hand. Headlamps are excellent for a hands-free way to light up an area or get a better look at what your hand are doing. Traditional flashlights are a reliable standby item and even more useful if they have features like rechargeable batteries or hooks to hang them up. If you are planning to go camping during your off-roading adventure, then lanterns will provide light for the entire campsite. Offroad Recovery Device A recovery device is a must-have tool when going off-roading. When a vehicle gets stuck somewhere, using a winch or recovery straps to move it involves excessive force and a failed rescue attempt could result in vehicle damage or serious injury. Instead of pulling a stuck vehicle out, off-road enthusiasts can use a recovery device to make the job a lot easier. Recovery devices are nylon boards with a dual purpose. They can be used as shovels to dig out around the stuck vehicle's tires, or they can be placed under the tires so the vehicle can drive out easily. If nothing else, these handy tools can be used to dig out a place for a fire or a pit latrine. Recovery devices are useful rescue tools no matter what season it is. Though it is easy to think of them when a vehicle is stuck in the mud, they are just as useful in the snow or sand. We love the MaxTrax Recovery Boards here at Offroad Power Products, they're a key offroad recovery device in the snow, mud and sand, our preferred playground. Working Boards Yep, good old boards are still useful in many situations especially if you're on a budget! Though they are often overlooked, solid wood boards can be a huge help and generally valuable accessory for any off-roading adventure. Out in the wilderness, there is rarely a place where the earth is completely flat and free of obstructions. This makes it much more difficult to jack up a vehicle for repairs or to change a tire. A good-sized wooden board can be placed on the ground to make a flat surface suitable for a jack. A few thick boards can be used in a pinch to chock a tire, keeping the vehicle from rolling downhill. Wood boards are a simple, low-cost tool that anyone going off-roading should always keep on hand. Offroad Tire Repair Kit Tires take more damage than any other part of a vehicle, which is especially true for off-roading vehicles. No matter where you are driving, always have a tire repair kit nearby in case of emergencies. These kits can be the difference between a quick fix and spending hours being stuck while waiting for someone to rescue you. A complete tire kit comes with a high-quality tire gauge, preferably one with dual chuck and dual pressure range. The kit includes insertion and reamer tools, lubricant, needle-nose pliers, valve accessories, and several self-vulcanizing repair cords. A tire kit typically comes in a neat, compact case that can be stored easily inside the vehicle. These kits can repair the most common types of tires without having to remove them from the vehicle, including tubeless radial and cross-ply tires. It may also be a good idea to bring along some cans of Fix-a-Flat. Onboard Air Compressor Off-roading without getting stuck involves getting the best traction possible from the vehicle's tires. Most off-roading enthusiasts do this by lowering the air pressure in their tires to somewhere between eight and twenty PSI before hitting the trails. However, the drivers will need to increase the tire pressure again before driving the vehicle on the road. The need to adjust tire pressure is why it is vital for anyone going on an off-roading trip to bring an air compressor with them. A good-quality air compressor will be able to restore road-worthy tire pressure quickly without overheating. Drivers must get an air compressor that hooks up to the vehicle's battery, as the ones that plug into its auxiliary power outlets could blow a fuse. Along with an air compressor, drivers should remember to bring a generous length of air hose. There should be enough hose to reach from the vehicle's battery to each wheel without pulling on it much. Here's an example above of a high end Offroad On-board Air Compressor from ARB. Jump Starter A handy tool for all drivers, whether on the road or off, is a jump starter. Having a jump starter ready to go when the vehicle's battery dies prevents the driver from ever needing another person's car to get it started again. In the past, jump starters could cost a fair amount of money. However, there are now several affordable options with bonus features like USB ports, flashlights, and the ability to charge off the auxiliary power outlet. Hand Tools Any person planning to go out on the trails with their vehicle should always have a good set of offroading hand tools at their disposal. Having a mechanic's tool set handy gives drivers the ability to fix a myriad of problems that may come up while off-roading and prevents them from getting stuck out in the wilderness waiting for a mechanic to show up. Off-roading hand tool sets typically include socket wrenches, drivers, Allen wrenches, pliers, and a set of sockets. Work Gloves Work gloves are an often-overlooked accessory that makes off-roading repairs a lot easier. Fixing a vehicle out on the trail can be rough on a person’s hands, especially if the driver has to dig out a bunch of mud, sticks, and other debris before getting into the repairs. For the best protection, work gloves should be made of sturdy material with leather palms for gripping and water resistance. Make sure to bring low temp durable work gloves if you'll be offroading in the snow during the winter months. GPS Navigation System Being out on the trails is a great experience, but the fun quickly subsides if you end up lost. While traditional paper maps are useful, they are easily ruined when exposed to the wet and dirty conditions found on most off-roading trails. Furthermore, a folded paper map is not the safest way to track where you are or where you are going while driving. Having a navigation system that can track where you have been is the easiest way to prevent getting lost in the wilderness. There are standalone GPS systems that can do this, but it is better to use convenient and user-friendly apps such as Hema Maps Explorer. Apps like these are available on most smartphones or GPS-enabled tablets. Checkout OnX Offroad GPS Maps! The Bottom Line Off-roading is one of the most exhilarating hobbies out there. It allows you to enjoy the great outdoors, indulge your sense of adventure, and ignite your passion for vehicles all at the same time. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned off-roading enthusiast, having the right tools on-hand when you are out on the trail is the difference between a successful trip and a complete disaster.

The Mint 400, or as they like to call it, “The Great American Desert Race,” is one of the most popular desert races for American spectators to go out and watch. It’s easy to see why: no international borders to cross, grandstands and safe viewing areas all over the course, and Vegas as the quintessential backdrop. You haven’t experienced offroad trucks until you’ve taken in a field of the world’s best racers and their incredible machines under the lights of Fremont Street in Las Vegas. So what’s the best way to plan your weekend? We’ll help you sort out the details in this handy how to article. Tech and Contingency is Actually a Spectator Driven Party….Wait, what? When you see “tech/contingency” listed on a schedule of events, and you’re planning to go as a spectator, you probably think, “well, that doesn’t apply to me!” and move on. If you do that during the Mint 400, you’ll be missing out. You’re right that you don’t have a truck to tech before the race, but all of the coolest trucks do (obviously). At the Mint 400, they’ve turned tech/contingency into a full blown festival for people who’ve come into town to watch the race. It’s held on Fremont Street, and you’ll have an opportunity to get up close and personal with the trucks, and the drivers. Drivers do signings, models do signings, and the trucks are all out on display under the lights of the old-school cool Vegas casinos on Fremont Street. All the action kicks off Wednesday, but Thursday is when it actually starts to get good. Here’s our advice: head out to Vegas after work on Wednesday, and start Thursday morning on Fremont Street, checking out the trucks, and taking in the sights. You may not want to spend two full days on Fremont Street with the offroad community wandering in droves, but you’ll beat the crowds. You can still do some regular old Vegas debauchery on Friday, or head back to Fremont street for the big Mint 400 block party before the race kicks off Saturday morning. Then Pack Up and Get Out of Las Vegas! No really, pack up your stuff, and get out of Las Vegas. It’s time to head to Vegas’ lesser known friend, Primm, Nevada. Known by anyone passing through from California as “Stateline,” these are the hotels and resorts where you’ll actually want to stay for the race weekend. Depending on whether or not you plan to watch the bikes race (which you should -- those guys are nuts, but do what your heart feels here). If you want to watch the bikes race, you’re going to want to be here early -- before 7 am. If you’re just aiming to sleep off the Vegas fun you had the night before, trucks don’t start racing until about 1:30, so you’ll have plenty of time to get on the road, make the 40ish mile trip to Primm, and find a good spot to watch from. Spectator Seating Choices for The Mint 400 There are four different spectator areas during the Mint 400 for your viewing pleasure. You can setup at the start/finish area, where you’ll be in the midst of one kind of chaos -- the vendor midway, concessions, and generally activities to keep the whole family entertained when there is downtime. You’ll have a good view for when the celebrations start and winners come rolling across the finish line. For a different kind of party, you can also pick up the spectator passes for the viewing areas in Jean, just outside of Primm. The two Jean spectating areas are sold as separate tickets, so if you want to check out more than one, make sure to plan and purchase accordingly -- you can move between them during the race. Either way, make sure you buy your tickets well in advance. They sell out fast! One other note here: if you’re flying in, and worried about your rental car being able to survive the Jean viewing areas, you won’t have a problem - they’re accessible to all types of cars without an issue. These parking areas will allow you to safely watch on the side of the race course, so you can take in these amazing off road racing machines in all their glory, tearing through the desert at full speed. While you’re there, you can grill, have a beer, and make new friends. Just make good choices -- BLM and the Police are there to enforce speeding laws, and hand out citations for people trashing the desert. Remember all those Leave No Trace principles we’ve talked about? Use them. It’s good for the desert, and good for your wallet. Another note here: Get to the Jean spectating areas early, and make sure you roll in with whoever you want to park and party with -- the spectating areas fill up fast, and they won’t let you save a parking spot for your buddies who “just right behind you.” Regardless of where you watch the race from, make sure you hit up the vendor areas at the start and finish and check out the vendor festival they’ll have going on. Once the winners start rolling in on Saturday night, it’ll be time to party all over again! Before you go anywhere offroad, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, to keep both you and your truck protected from the hazards you might encounter out on the trail. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

For any trail worth exploring, you’re going to want to air down your tires when you get to the dirt. Most of us are driving to the trailheads though, so when the adventuring is over for the weekend, you’re going to need to air back up. Thanks to years of experience in offroading and overlanding adventures, we know how to choose the best way for you to do just that. Check out our eight favorite picks for the best ways to onboard air for your offroad rig: Air Tanks CO2 Air Tanks CO2 air tanks are a fast way to air up, but they’re not our favorite way to get the job done for one major reason -- refills. Although the initial investment is usually lower, dealing with getting the tanks refilled when you’re in town isn’t just costly, it can be frustrating and time consuming. You have to worry about them knocking around too hard while you’re on the trail, and they can take up more space than you’d anticipate. If, despite all of this, you decide to buy one, get the largest one you can reasonably secure in your rig. The last thing you want is to get half your tires filled and then out of CO2 when you’re ready to get on the road home. PacBrake Air Tank A refillable portable air tank is a good alternative that doesn’t require paying for refills, but it does require more than just the tank to hit the road. When you match it with a good compressor, it can give you some portable air to go that’s great for using when you are out on the trails. It’s less hassle, and much less cost than the CO2 alternative. There are also plenty of sizes available. If a portable air tank sounds like something that would work for you, check out the PacBrake series. Every PacBrake tank is designed and built to last, and includes mounting brackets, so that storage can be less of an issue in your rig. Compressors In the last few years, compressor technology has really come a long way. They’re smaller and more powerful than they have ever been, and priced for anybody who wants to get outside and to do some adventuring. Different style are better for different things, though, so make sure you choose the one that’s right for you. Portable Compressors When it comes to portable compressors, the ARB CKTMP12 is the favorite around here. It comes in a shatterproof case with all the mounting hardware to keep it up and out of the way, safe and secure when you’re on the trail. ARB thought of everything with the setup, too. It has seven feet of battery cables with well-built alligator clips so you can hook up to your battery easily, and run it wherever you need it to go while you’re out on the trail. The mounting brackets are built with anti-vibration and sound deadening materials, to preserve the life of the compressor, no matter how many rough miles you’re putting on your truck. The CKTMP12 has enough power behind it to fill tires and even power air tools, and it comes with enough fittings to do whatever you need it to do. It’s a great do it all work horse for anybody’s rig. Permanently Mounted Compressors If you’re looking for an air compressor that will work well when you’re trying to install air lockers, ARB has a great option for that, too. Permanently mounted compressors like this can look at a glance like they are an option for trailside work, cleaning off, or even inflating tires (especially if you are primarily doing online shopping for these types of truck accessories), but that’s just not the case. Small, permanently mounted compressors like this are built for a single purpose -- locker installation. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can rely on this out on the trail for anything else. The Perfect Compressor for Inflating Tires If you’re looking for a permanently mounted compressor that can take on any task you throw at it with ease, the ARB CKMA12 is the compressor you need. You can fill up everything from your tires at the end of the trail to your air mattress when you very first get into camp. It can activate air lockers, and run pneumatic tools, too. With the compressor itself, and the ARB Pump-Up kit, you’ll have have everything you need. Accessories Without the right accessories, even the best compressor or air tank won’t be good for much when you’re out on the trail. Deflators It’s easy to make excuses to not buy this one -- we get it. You’re not going to need it. But you’re definitely going to want it. The ARB Digital EZ deflator will let you get that key out of your valve stem and stand up. Trust us, once you’ve used a simple push-button deflator, watching your tire pressure drop with clear visibility, rather than guess-check-guess-checking your way from 35PSI to 15PSI, crouching with a key in hand will be a thing of the past. Inflators Make sure you have a good inflator handy, as inflating tires will probably be the most important task you use your choice of onboard air for. The ARB Digital Air Inflator is a great choice that will make sure you get exactly the pressure you need in your tires to stay safe on the road. The backlit display makes it easy to read no matter the lighting at the end of a long day on the trail, and at nearly two feet long, the hose spares you from bending over for extended periods when you’re already exhausted from the trail. If you’re ready to get out on the trail, but still need some onboard air for your rig to make sure you can get you home safely, we can help. Give our helpful team of offroading enthusiasts a call, or shoot us an email, and we will get you on the trail as fast as we can, with the comfortable camping gear that makes sense for you.

By Jerrod Jones If you've got a solid axle and links in the front of your 4×4, then you can benefit from upgrading your track bar. While new adjustable track bars are included in most link suspension systems for Jeeps and trucks, a stock a leveled truck can see the same benefits, too. A Track Bar was previously known as a panhard bar or J bar to the old school 4x4 crowd but that term has become uncommon. Don't be confused by sway bars, traction bars, they are not a track bar and are very different as you'll see below. What does a track bar do on a truck? A track bar, also known as a panhard rod or panhard bar, laterally locates the front axle in a link suspension system. So why upgrade it? Simple: Strength and adjustability and flexibility. And if your stock track bar is worn out (which can cause a classic case of death wobble vibration), then we'll add improved drive-ability and handling to that list, as well! The track bar is the item that truly "locates" your vehicle. It orients the vehicle and is super important for alignment and geometry. The build quality of your track bar is very important to overall performance of your suspension and steering. This applied to factory and highly modified custom vehicles. Mostly you'll be replacing your updating your track bar in the front of the suspension of your vehicle. However some of the newer vehicles will have them in the rear. Jeeps 2007-current Dodge 1500's from 2009 Ram 2500's since 2014 These all have track bars on the back. If you have coil springs and and a solid rear axle you likely have a track bar in the rear. How to know if my track bar is worn out? Play in the steering - You'll notice when you try and turn the steering wheel on your vehicle Poor tire wear - Uneven tire wear from the tires not being held in a consistent position and alignment moving around. Death Wobble - Resonation and vibration and out of control vehicle steering. The other things that will wear out on your front end are the ball joints, tie rods and also tires. We always check the track bar first and then check these other issues. The infamous "Death Wobble" shakes your car like crazy and starts to create vibrations so badly that your steering wheel is getting yanked out of your hands. If your track bar is failing this condition can occur and is often the cause. Driving with the death wobble condition is very dangerous and will cause resonation that builds and builds until and will cause major damage to your vehicle. Stop immediately if you experience this condition. and get a tow, it's much less expensive. Aftermarket Track Bar vs Stock Any aftermarket track bar that we sell at OPP is a big jump in strength over whatever came in your 4×4 from the dealer. Beefier aftermarket track bars still bolt into the stock location, but are made for more heavy duty use. And aftermarket track bar is going to have stronger connection, tighter more precise suspension movement. Add a Track Bar with your Suspension Lift When you upgrade your suspension or lift your truck you'll want to definitely upgrade your track bar, period. It's a key component to how your vehicle will drive and perform with your new front end modifications and they aren't terribly expensive. Aftermarket track bars are typically adjustable in length. With a lifted vehicle application you'll need to make sure you get a track bar that's long enough. The higher the lift the longer the track bar is the general rule. Give us a call at the shop or check with the manufacturer. They are serviceable joints as well so if you do a lot of off-road adventures or you have a work vehicle under heavy load you can service them fairly easily and don't need to purchase an entire new track bar. When a track bar isn't set to the correct length it can create a bind in the suspension and create a dangerous situation. Setting up the track bar with the correct length is critical to the health of your vehicle steering and keeping it vibration free. They also feature rebuild-able joints at one or both ends that allow them to be renewed after the hard spherical bearings or bushings wear out. These joints can often tolerate more extreme angles than the stock track bar setup, allowing for more flexibility when your suspension is twisting up off-road. And an adjustable track bar allows you to correctly position the axle after making any suspension height changes. Even a leveling kit can move an axle over to the driver's side a bit, putting unneeded stress on suspension parts and making your 4×4 drive slightly sideways. If you run 6” lift coil springs and decide to change over to 8” lift springs, then an adjustable track bar will allow you to easily correct the axle position and retain proper vehicle drivability. For the improved performance and the safety factor, a new adjustable front suspension track bar should be at the top of your list of planned mods for your solid axle 4×4. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/02-1024x768.jpg Here's a new adjustable track bar next the stock track bar it will replace. Stronger track bar drop brackets are also available with some setups, and can sometimes better place the upper track bar joint. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/03-1024x673.jpg Lots of link suspension systems come with a new track bar, but there are also a wide variety of adjustable track bars sold separately. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/04-1024x821.jpg If the joint on an adjustable track bar is not rebuildable, it is at least replaceable. This spherical bearing rod end (aka Heim joint)will allow excellent suspension movement and is easily replaced. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/05-1024x847.jpg If it's not a spherical bearing of some sort, then you'll have bushings (either urethane or rubber) at the track bar end. Many track bars use a bushing on one end and a spherical bearing on the other. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/06-1024x768.jpg On this Ford, a large ball joint is pressed into the axle housing and allows movement of the adjustable track bar at the axle side. The problem with this type of setup is that the joint is not easily replaceable and can fail even with an aftermarket track bar, as shown here. There are some kits that convert the ball joint to a double sheer mount so you can use a track bar with joints at both ends. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07-1024x768.jpg In case you're wondering why a track bar (a fifth link) is even used in front suspensions instead of triangulating the upper links, there are a couple key reasons. First, and most importantly, a track bar is run parallel to the steering drag link and is theoretically supposed to be the same or close to the same length. This is in an effect to keep everything traveling in the same arc as the suspension compresses and rebounds. Otherwise, you'd feel the steering wheel turn in your hands (or the wheels turn) on the truck as the suspension moved up and down. This is known as bumpsteer. Even some leaf spring suspensions (like '99-'04 Super Duty's) used track bars to locate the front axle. Secondly, using upper triangulated links in a front engine vehicle would necessitate a huge amount of lift to keep the links out of the oil pan. Using a track bar on a solid front axle allows the other four locating links to be run somewhat parallel to the frame, greatly easing the packaging of suspension around the power-train. Installing a Track Bar in your truck This can vary a lot. It can be a 20 minute job or 2 hours depending on the vehicle and level of automotive experience. For a skilled mechanic this is not a super tricky job when you take the time to determine exactly which track bar you need for your vehicle so all goes smoothly. On Jeeps and Dodges you need to move the steering linkage out of the way which is a little more involved. Removing the tires and removing tire rods are needed. It's typically a two person job to install it correctly. Your helper needs to help align the bolt holes while you're installing it. Make sure you have the correct track bar for your vehicle especially if it has a lift kit installed. As with anything we sell, we are always happy to walk through the options with you. Give us a call or shoot us an email, and we'll make sure you've got the power you need on the trail, no matter where that trail might lead.

Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at the gorgeous state of Oregon, where the offroad trails and beautiful mountain views call your name. Bennett Pass As it turns out, the Oregon Trail isn’t just a cheesy video game designed for 90s kids throwback memes. And the Bennett Pass will get you onto a stretch of this long-storied pioneer trail. At a little over 11 miles, you can expect the Bennett Pass trail to take just over two hours. It’s rated as “easy,” so anyone with four wheel drive should be able to handle it. You’ll be able to see loads of wildflowers when you’re visiting in the springand summer, and some of the most beautiful alpine forests around. But the views are the best part -- check out amazing views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams along the way. On a clear day, you can even see the Three Sisters in the distance. Check out the forest service web site to make sure it’s open when you’d like to visit, and make sure that you’ve done the prep work ahead of time before hitting this trail. You’ll need a recreation pass, and if you’ve got anyone on dirt bikes or ATVs, there are additional steps. Make sure you’ve got what you need to avoid an expensive mistake. Tillamook Forest The Tillamook Forest off highway vehicle area has a wide range of trails and options for all kinds of trucks and skill levels. Make sure you check the trail report while you’re planning, though. Because the area includes working forests, sections are closed regularly for logging. With over 250 miles in trails on the property, you’ll be able to spend a weekend and never see the same tree twice. There’s plenty of camping options all along the trail to make a family weekend easy to manage, and you’ll be able to find a trail that meets your needs without being too much for the group. You’ll need a permit sticker, which you can pick up at lots of places on your way into the trail. Make the quick stop and get on the trail for maximum adventures. Barlow Trail http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Barlow5.jpg Another option for getting on a part of the Oregon Trail is the Barlow trail. It was known amongst the settlers for being the most difficult section of the trail for their wagons. Thankfully, it’s a lot easier in even a basic offroad rig. Even two wheel drive trucks successfully make it through this one. The only serious consideration here is the size of your truck. There are some tight spots that can prove difficult for larger trucks. In wet weather, there can be some more difficult mud holes, but for most of the season, it’s considered an easy trail. You can generally traverse all 48 miles of the Barlow Road in under five hours, but if you want to make a weekend of it, there are lots of good camping spots, and plenty of picnic areas for a good day on the trails. Noonday Trail The noonday trail was another remnant of wagon roads from another time, but it’s another trail that’s well worth a visit. It’s located just outside of Cottage Grove, just half an hour south of Eugene. It’s packed with tight switchbacks and steep climbs, so it’s particularly well-suited for short wheelbase rigs, and it’s a particularly difficult trail when it’s wet. Even though it’s only 6 miles long, you can expect it to take over six hours. Make sure you’ve got a winch, this is a very difficult trail and not one you want to be stuck on. The good news is that once you get through the trail, the views are great. Pack a lunch, and take a rest when you get to the top and take in the views. If you’re headed to the noonday trail, you’ll need a permit, so make sure you’ve got one! Flag Point Lookout Flag Point is a working fire lookout, and from the top, the views are incredible. It’s about an hour long side trail off of Road 2730 in the Mount Hood National Forest. Once you get to the tower, you can expect views of Mount Hood, the Badger Creek Wilderness, Central Oregon, and the Cascade range from Mount Adams to The Three Sisters. During the summer, as long as there aren’t any fire issues that they’re dealing with, the Forest Service team often invite people up to the top of the tower for the best views around. Make sure to leave time to stretch your legs and hike up to the nearby helipad. Again, you’ll need a Recreation Pass, so make sure to pick one up before you hit the trails, either online or near the trail head. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of offroad experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at the state of Colorado, where there are mountain views like nowhere else in the good old United States. Yankee Hill / St. Mary’s Trail About two hours outside of Denver in the Roosevelt National Forest, you can pick up the Yankee Hill trail. Yankee hill is a fairly technical trail, so you’re going to want a small lift, and you’re going to need at least upgraded tires on your truck. It’s about 15 miles of reasonably challenging trail. For an extra challenge, people take on this trail during the snowy season. The views are great year round. It can get busy on the weekends, and it’s very popular with ATV riders, so keep your eyes open when you’re out there. When you get to the top, you can look forward to taking in a great view of the St. Mary’s glacier and taking a break to take it all in. Time it for the wildflower blooms, and you’ll get all the photo opps your instagram can handle. Wagon Wheel Trail System If you’re looking for a great destination wheeling weekend with endless trails for trucks and drivers at any level, Colorado’s Wagon Wheel trail system has everything you’re looking for. With 16 loops that make up over 250 miles of trails, there’s something available for wheelers at every level. There are several places to pick up the trail in the town of Meeker, but if you’re looking to spend even more time in the great outdoors, there are some great camping options available, too. The North Fork campground connects to the northern side of the system, but it stays very busy, so make sure to check for reservations before you commit to that plan. There are two more good campgrounds on the southern side -- Meadow Lake and Meadow Ridge, and they’re both great options, too. Alpine Loop Just outside of Ouray in Southwestern Colorado, you can hop on the Alpine Loop scenic byway. It’s got killer mountain views, and it’s ideal for Jeeps, though some full size trucks might be able to pull it off. About a third of the trail actually requires it, but any truck with four wheel drive should be able to pull of this 63 mile loop -- just make sure you dedicate a full day to it. The loop is full of great camping opportunities, so you can stretch the trip out over a few days, and leave plenty of time to hike and explore along the way. Mount Baldy About fifteen miles outside of Colorado Springs, you can pick up the Mount Baldy trail in the Pike National Forest. It’s an easy trail, and at just over six miles, you can expect to spend just a couple hours on the trail. It’s an out and back, so make sure you leave time to retrace your steps. Despite it’s relatively easy rating, it’s a fairly remote trail, so it’s pretty lightly travelled. It’s got some amazing views. If you’re looking for camping in the area, just grab your favorite spot, and follow the basic rules for dispersed camping. For more on that, be sure to go back and check out our camping articles. Kelly Flats Kelly Flats is just a few miles outside of Fort Collins, but it’s got a great trail that’s easily worth the short trip. It’s just 10 miles long, but you can expect this more challenging trail to take you a few hours. It’s best known for two major obstacles -- heart attack hill and the Chutes. You can get around Heart Attack Hill with the bypass called Aneurysm Hill. Yes, we’re serious. As the name suggests, it’s also not a walk in the park. This trail can be alot for beginners to deal with, but it’s doable, and with the optional obstacles added in, it’s challenging enough for everyone in your group to stay interested. Before you go anywhere offroad, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, and don’t ever rely on strangers on the internet for navigation advice. Pick up a map on your way in, and know how to read it before you get there. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of offroad experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

Where to go? Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Starting with our home state of Washington, we’ll show you all the best trails near you, wherever you are. Walker Valley At about 3,200 square miles, Walker Valley is perfect for a weekend of offroading, and it’s pretty central in the state, about 70 miles north of Seattle. Most of the trails are rated for moderately difficult, achievable for anyone with basic modifications to their rig. Make sure to check the status on the park before you head out. This park is generally open year round, but there are some exceptions in the event of particularly bad weather. You’ll need a Washington State Discovery Pass to hit up these trails -- you can get one near the park, or buy one online, and save yourself the time when all you really want to do is get on the trails. Manastash Ridge Manastash Ridge is a great area for everyone, but it’s especially well suited for first time offroaders. If you’re just starting to get your feet wet, you’ll be able to take on over 100 miles of beautiful, well-maintained trails. The elevation changes aren’t super dramatic, so you’ll be able to comfortably get your fix while learning what your truck is really capable of in the process. It’s a great way to test your limits, and plan your next modifications without getting in way over your head. You’ll need a Recreation Pass for this trail (pick one up online ahead of time here), or the daily fee is just five bucks! For you Discovery Pass users -- it’s not valid at Manastash because it’s a federally owned park. Don’t get yourself in trouble for something so simple. Evans Creek If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, Evan’s Creek could be exactly what you need. It’s not a huge area, with just over 20 miles in trails you can cover, but it’s a more challenging selection. Some of the trails gain 5,600 feet in elevation along the way. They’re fairly technical trails, and you’re going to want to be sure of the trail conditions before you head out. Know what you’re getting yourself into, especially if it’s been raining, as some of the trails at Evan’s Creek can really take a beating when there’s wet weather. If you’re heading to Evans Creek, you’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass. Grab one online before you head out, or pick one up near the trailhead - they’re available all over the area from outdoor stores to gas stations. Rimrock Lake Rimrock Lake area trails are not for the faint of heart. Before you head to this area, make sure you know what you’re doing. A rollover here could send you tumbling a very long way. It’s also worth paying attention to the weather. Even the trails that generally are considered to be “moderate” difficulty in the area become very difficult to navigate when they’re impacted by rain or snow. Some trails at the higher elevations just become impassable with snow, so do some research ahead of time, and choose your trails carefully. Also, Rimrock Lake trails are known for being exceptionally narrow, so while we fully appreciate your Full Size Invasion spirit, the trees probably don’t. Avoid this one if you’re trying to wheel a Suburban or the like. All that said, if you’re equipped for the trails, and have the experience required, there are some beautiful views to be had. You’ll find challenging trails, incredible views, and great camping opportunities. Make sure to pick up a Northwest Forest Pass before you head out, or in a pinch, you can grab one near the trailhead. Naches Pass The Naches Pass trail, located just over an hour from Seatte is a little over 12 miles of easy to moderate level wheeling, but expect it to take about 4 hours to complete. Most rigs are equipped from the factory well enough to take on this challenge. You’ll find beautiful views of Mount Rainier, and the valleys surrounding the trail. Because the Naches Pass was travelled by wagon trains full of early settlers and pioneers, you’ll find some pretty cool stopping points outside of your standard trailside views, and maybe even learn a little along the way. Where the Naches Pass Trail meets the Pacific Crest Trail (a national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada), you’ll find Camp Urich. Camp Urich includes a log cabin built for public use on a first come, first served basis, as well as an outhouse you can use if need should arise. From the cabin, you’ll have a clear view of Government Meadows, and you’re likely to catch some wildlife in action if you hang out for a while. You’ll need a Recreation Pass, so make sure to pick one up before you hit the trails, either online or near the trail head. For even more trails in the area, check out NWjeepn.com. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of offroad experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

Where to Overland for Maximum Adventure If you’re just getting into offroading, you’ve probably heard a lot about overlanding. If you’ve been in the game a while, you’re definitely aware of it. Overlanding can be really cool. At its core, overlanding just means you’re relying on your own rig and what you have with you for an adventure, usually for longer than a couple of days. Overlanding is offroading for the adventure of it, not necessarily for the most challenging trails. In this article, we’ll show you the best overlanding adventure trails to help you get the most out of your rig. The Mojave Road: The Intro Trail If you’re just getting your feet wet in the world of overlanding, the Mojave Trail is a great starting point. Lots of sites online will refer you to much shorter trails that don’t even take a full day to complete. To us, that’s just a long day on an easy trail. The mojave trail is technical enough to be interesting, but it can be completed by anybody who takes it on in under three days. You’ll pick it up on the edge of the Colorado River, near Laughlin, Nevada, and ride it back into California -- it ends near Baker. The Mojave Road trail is just shy of 130 miles, and plenty of groups can finish it in two days, but if it’s your first time on the trail give yourself three days just to be sure. The trail is basically in the same condition that it was when it brought pioneers through the desert into California hundreds of years ago. You’ll find that the trail meanders between watering holes, rather than cutting straight through the desert in the shortest route. While your trusty trucks may not need water, the original users rigs had a little more...natural horsepower, and the watering holes kept the teams alive as they traversed the desert. On the mojave trail, you’ll get some good camping time, and you can take in some of the weirder sights, too. Make sure to check out the traveler’s monument (come prepared with a rock for this one!), the mailbox, the penny cans, the frogs (pictured above), the bobbleheads, and more. Maybe it’s the desert heat, but wheelers have gotten into some weird art fixtures out here. The Dalton Highway: The Deadliest Trail The Dalton Highway is known as the deadliest road in the United States. That’s primarily because of the lack of cell service, but you can leave that part out when you tell your friends about your adventures on Alaska’s Dalton Highway. It begins just north of Fairbanks, and ends at the Arctic Ocean - over 400 miles later. The highway was originally constructed to support the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline in the 1970s, but today it’s primarily run by adventurers like you. Today, there are only 5 settlements on the highway, and only 3 of those are actually populated. Combined, there are less than 50 people living near the highway. So who cares, right? Well, not you. Unless you need gas, or food, or a mechanic, or…. You can count on the Dalton Highway to truly test the limits of your own self-reliance. It’s probably not the first overlanding trip you should take on, but it should absolutely be on your bucket list. It should go without saying, but you’re probably going to want to run this one as a summer adventure -- unless you’re really into buying super high end camping gear designed to withstand insane negative temperatures. The Continental Divide Trail: The Most Challenging Trail The Continental Divide Trail runs over more than 2,500 miles from Mexico to Canada, with elevation changes throughout from 4,000 to 13,000 feet. It was first run as an overlanding route in 1989 when Land Rover sent 6 Range Rovers through the entire route. It runs through lots of long stretches with absolutely no services (some spanning over 200 miles), so you’re going to want to make sure you’ve done the necessary pre-trip planning. The beauty of the trail is unparalleled in North American overlanding, and along the way, you’ll find ghost towns, abandoned fire towers, and more. You can expect to spend about a month on the trail in total, but if you can take the time for the trip, it will be worth every minute. The Trans-America Trail: The Most American Trail The Trans-America Trail spans 5,000 miles from North Carolina to Oregon. The route can take months, and can include additional mileage to include passage through the North East, and along the rockies, depending on the time you’ve got and the adventure you’re willing to take on. One of the best features of the Trans-America trail is that it can optionally run along the Lockhart Basin Road -- considered one of the toughest off-road routes in the country. Don’t get out out on the trails without your 10 essentials - not for an afternoon, and definitely not for a long weekend or more. You never know what could happen on the trail, leaving you stuck for longer than you intended. Keep your bases covered, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for the best and the worst that could come your way. If you’re ready to get into overlanding, but you aren’t sure where you should get started to set up your rig for the long haul -- we can help! Give our helpful team of offroading enthusiasts a call, or shoot us an email, and we will get you on the trail as fast as we can, with all the gear that makes sense for you.

Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going Next If you’re just getting into offroading, you’ve probably heard a lot about overlanding. If you’ve been in the game a while, you’re definitely aware of it. If you’re aware of it, you’ve probably cracked jokes about the new breed of hipster overlanders. We get it; we’re not exactly innocent. That doesn’t change the fact that overlanding can still be really cool. At its core, overlanding just means you’re relying on your own rig and what you have with you for an adventure, usually for longer than a couple of days. Overlanding is offroading for the adventure of it, not necessarily for the most challenging trails. History Overlanding got its start in Australia, where farmers had to move their stock over huge distances, but really, that’s just where the term “overlanding” was first heard. If you hear someone bragging about their “overlanding rig,” it’s a safe bet that guy isn’t a sheep farmer these days. Once a route for cattle had been established across the roughly 1,000 miles that makes up the route from Kimberely District to the Goldfields, intrepid explorers started to take on the route. Thanks to the work of Alfred Canning in the early 1900s, there was access to water every 15 miles or so, which made the route more useful than ever for working teams crossing the desert. Building on the popularity of the route, Australian Len Beadell continued to develop the network of rough roads that traversed the Australian outback. Ultimately, his vision led to the development of over 3,500 miles of rough desert roads that opened up over a million and a half acres of desert for exploration. That process went on between 1947 and 1963, and allowed more adventurers than ever to take to the open, albeit rough, roads to explore the country. At the same time that the routes were being opened across the country, four wheel drive vehicles were finally becoming accessible to the average Australian. Major manufacturers were bringing out new and more capable trucks every year, and motorcycles were simultaneously growing in popularity. When the 1990s were drawing to close, overlanding was growing ever more popular, with large scale events like the Camel Trophy and the Land Rover G4 challenge drawing in competitors to show off what they were capable of, all while being self reliant on the trails. In the full spirit of adventure, these races moved around the globe each year, and Land Rover supplied the rigs for each team, outfitted from the factory’s special projects team so that the challenge became more of a test of navigation and driving ability than a test of what the trucks could do. The global adventure race brought 20 teams from around the planet together to race, adventure, and live the dream from 1980 to 2003, when the race was replaced by the G4 Challenge. The G4 ran through 2008, and unfortunately like so many popular races in the motorsports world were wrecked by the global economic crisis that hit in 2008. As the economy has recovered, especially here in the United States, overlanding has seen a boom like never before in its history. The newest generation of offroaders seems to have sprung up in the spirit of adventure, with more focus on exploration than on pushing through challenging obstacles. Thanks to the growth in the activity, the supplies are getting easier and easier to find that make trail bound self reliance easy. Things like rooftop tents and large volume fuel storage are essentially synonymous at this point, and they’re now so available that anyone who is interested in overlanding can afford to get started. The grown of overlanding has allowed for an entire community to pop up where only niche groups had existed before. While the huge boom we’re living in right now might just be a trend, the sport itself has been around for long enough that you can rest assured it isn’t going anywhere. Large scale races are certainly a possibility again, but more importantly, overlanding has become a reasonably cost-effective way for would-be young adventurers to take on the world without the expense of hotel rooms and guided tours. In the newest era of “hipster overlanding,” overlanding offers an alternative to the chaos of camera slinging tourism. We get it - we’d rather see the great outdoors, too. In the rest of the series, we’ll take a look out how you can get the right stuff to make the most of your overlanding adventures, some helpful tips for your first trip, and a list of routes worth exploring that won’t break the bank when you’re just getting started. Stay tuned! Don’t get out out on the trails without your 10 essentials - not for an afternoon, and definitely not for a long weekend or more. You never know what could happen on the trail, leaving you stuck for longer than you intended. Keep your bases covered, and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re prepared for the best and the worst that could come your way. If you’re ready to get into overlanding, but you aren’t sure where you should get started to set up your rig for the long haul -- we can help! Give our helpful team of offroading enthusiasts a call, or shoot us an email, and we will get you on the trail as fast as we can, with all the gear that makes sense for you.

When you add larger tires, you can be guaranteed that your braking performance is going to be diminished. The inertia created by the increased mass of the tire, along with the larger diameter, requires more braking power to do the same amount of work. And so, you have a choice: You can ride around with worse brakes, making you and everyone around you a little less safe, or you can add some better brakes. The best plan: An entire brake package upgrade that includes larger calipers and rotors. You’ll see better braking performance and have a better feel at the pedal. But those brake package kits can be expensive. If you’re not ready to purchase an entire brake package yet, a pad-and-rotor change can still make a big difference. While an entire brake system upgrade will yield the most impressive results, installing a high- quality EBC disc rotor and brake pad set can be a great way to make some cost-effective braking improvements in under an hour. There are a few different options in pads and rotors for 4x4s and trucks, but all will yield better performance. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/01-1-680x1024.jpg Whether you’re choosing to break open the brake lines and install an entire brake system or just looking to upgrade to a high-quality pad and rotor, it is always money well spent to help slow your off-road toy down. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/02-1-1024x680.jpg If you’re spending money for a suspension system and larger tires, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to invest in a whole brake system. Kits can vary from front caliper, pad, and rotor systems to ones that include all four corners. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/03-2-910x1024.jpg Some kits contain a larger diameter rotor for better braking leverage. These usually include a specific upgraded caliper that fits the bigger rotor. If you’re going this route, make sure you have a wheel large enough to fit the brake package you want. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/04-1-1024x768.jpg Newer 4x4s and trucks have much improved brakes over their predecessors, but braking ability can still be improved by simply replacing the stock rotors and brake pads with a set of high-quality parts like those from EBC. Whether you choose the Green Stuff, Yellow Stuff, or Orange Stuff EBC pads, they all have a red “brake-in” surface coating for instant safe braking after the install. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/05-1-1024x768.jpg A new rotor should install quickly if it is a slide-on rotor. Rotors captured behind the hub via the studs can take a lot longer. EBC rotors come in a few different models, but you’ll likely upgrade to the slotted GD Sport Rotors if you decide to swap the rotors as well. They have a thermic black finish that resists corrosion where the pads are not contacting the rotor. http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/06-1-1024x768.jpg The generally accepted minimum pad thickness (not including the backing plate) is 2.5mm. Try and replace your pads before they get this low, as we’ve seen the pad material break off the backing plate under extreme use when the pad is low (well worn). http://blog.offroadpowerproducts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/07-1-1024x768.jpg Can you do a pad change without changing the rotor? Yes. If the rotor looks good with no cracks in it and isn’t warped, it’ll still work. If you’ve had some severe braking situations, you may want to have your rotors scrubbed/turned to remove any glazing before you add new pads. But the best performance will be seen if you match a high-quality brake pad to a high-quality rotor. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

Our Favorite Places to Offroad in New Mexico Once you’ve got your truck together, and the trails start calling your name, where do you want to go? In this series, we’ve done the research for you. Today, we’re looking at the state of New Mexico, where there are mountain views like nowhere else in the good old United States. Rio Bonito Rio Bonito trail is located about an hour and a half west of Roswell, just outside of Alto. The trail is short, at just 3.7 miles, and most trucks will be able to take on the trail without too much of a challenge, assuming you’re working with even slightly higher than stock clearance. If you’re looking for a little more than just challenging seat time when you’re out adventuring, Rio Bonito could be just what you’re looking for. This trail is unique in that it’s got an awesome opportunity for a detour on foot to petroglyph rock. Petroglyph Rock was once in the home Jornado Mongollon natives, who left the area many years ago. The only trace of their existence is the ancient etchings left in the rock. Take in the sights, take some pictures, and remember to tread lightly while you’re there. Goose Creek Less than an hour outside of Taos, you’ll find the Goose Creek trail. Goose Creek is just over 7 miles in one way, and it’s a fairly easy trail that any truck should be able to handle. As you get closer to the end of the trail, it does get more difficult, but the obstacles you face will be worth it. The trail ends at Goose Lake, which has campsites, an outhouse, and a great opportunity to catch your dinner from the lake. If you’re planning to fish while you’re out there, be sure to pick up a fishing license before you hit the dirt. To make the most of Goose Creek and Goose Lake, make sure you give yourself a full day. Even though you won’t spend the day wheeling, you’ll want plenty of time to relax and at least have lunch by the lake before you head home. This is a seasonal trail that is closed to vehicles of any kind during the winter months, so make sure the trail is open before you head that way. Monticello Canyon About two hours south of Albuequerque, you can hop on the Monticello Canyon trail system. The trail takes a few hours to make it through, and it’s about 17 miles long. There are plenty of “water crossings” listed, but don’t sweat them. While you’ll technically cross the Alamosa Creek over 100 times, none of the crossings is over 12 inches wide in a normal season. At the end of the trail, you’ll find yourself “stuck” in the Monticello Box, but it’s worth traversing your way out of. After the Box, you can follow a trail to the abandoned Ojo Caliente reservation. Park your truck and take some time to explore the area. It’s where Geronimo and his band of outlaw Apaches were arrested by John Philip Glum in 1874. Though the trail isn’t super challenging, we’d recommend giving yourself a full day to enjoy the trail, do some exploring, and find your way back to where you started. Backcountry Discovery Route If you’re looking for a real overlanding adventure, the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route has everything you need. The trail starts just outside of Dell City, Texas, and runs over 1,200 miles north to the Colorado border. While there are no single track trails, some of the terrain can get rutted, and the weather changes the trail every week. Some spots in the trail are remote enough that they don’t see regular trail maintenance, so make sure you’ve got a wheeling buddy to help in case of emergency. Along the trail, you can expect to hit high elevation mountain peaks, and run the beautiful desert landscapes that old western movies are made of. While there are typically gas stations reasonably accessible along the route, be sure to carry extra gas -- some of the small towns run out, and there are two spans where you can drive over 150 miles without gas. Primitive camping is common all along the trail, and there are plenty of organized campgrounds along the way as well. If you prefer hotels, first, we’re judging you, and secondly, call and book ahead. They’re small hotels, in small towns, and they book up fast during the peak months of June and September. If you’ve got a week to kill, the New Mexico Backcountry Discovery Route is a great way to see this beautiful state in all its glory. Before you go anywhere offroad, make sure you’ve got your truck loaded with the essentials, and don’t ever rely on strangers on the internet for navigation advice. Pick up a map on your way in, and know how to read it before you get there. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

It’s about that time of the year -- the weather is finally starting to cool down, and the desert trails are looking appealing once again. The desert is a unique world all its own though. How can you be best prepared to take on the desert trails? We’ll tell you all our best tips - check out part one here! Run Some Preseason Maintenance Even if you’re a slacker who can’t be bothered to do basic maintenance and checklists before each time you head out for the trails, make sure you give your truck a good once-over before you start into an entire season of fun and play. While the desert is beautiful, it can also be a very desolate place. If you run low on say, transmission fluid, and blow your truck up 30 miles from the closest road, you will be able to get a tow out. But it might cost you a few months’ rent to do it. Don’t let easily preventable issues ruin your good times on the trails. Don’t forget the 10 Essentials Here’s a rule of thumb - assume every trip to the desert is going to become a camping trip, and pack accordingly. That doesn’t mean you need a tent and a full camp kitchen, but it does mean you should plan for the worst. If you were to break down in the desert this afternoon, would you have the supplies to be reasonably comfortable and safe until you could get some help? Here’s the 10 essentials for camping, we suggest you keep them in your truck all the time, just in case: Navigation Navigation systems are great, but you shouldn’t go off the grid without a map and compass, and the skills to use them. Technology can fail, and if it does, you’ll be grateful to have this as a fallback. Illumination Most offroaders have a flashlight in their truck, but if you don’t, now is a great time to add one. If you do any camping at all, consider adding in a headlamp, either in place of a flashlight, or in addition to it. It’ll make bumbling around camp in the dark a little easier, whether you’re camping on purpose, or on accident (aka getting stuck in BFE). Sun Protection For most people this is just sunscreen, but we suggest a decent pair of sunglasses, too. Should you find yourself stuck in the glaring sun of the desert, you’ll be glad to have them. Don’t forget to check your sunscreen each year - it expires, and once it does, it is worthless. Unless your goal is the worst sunburn of your life, replace it before the expiration. First Aid Keep it in the truck all the time. Buy a pre-assembled one, or build your own. Check it each year to make sure nothing is expired. Knife Throw a multi-tool in your glove box and you’ll be set on this one. You’ll be glad to have the extra tools at some point, guaranteed. Fire Always have a way to start a fire handy. A flint you know how to use, water proof matches, even a plain old lighter from the gas station. Just don’t go out without a way to create fire if worst comes to worst. Emergency Shelter Think mylar space blanket. They pack down tiny, and weigh next to nothing. It doesn’t have to be much, just something to protect you from the elements in an emergency. Extra Food This can be as simple as a couple of protein bars, or a dehydrated or freeze dried meal. Throw it in a shoebox sized tote, and just check each season to make sure nothing is expired. Extra Water Just carry enough to get you through an extra day on the trail. It won’t be too much more, but in an emergency, you’ll be glad to have it. Extra Clothes Throw in a packable down jacket, and you’ll be set. An extra layer could literally save your life when the temperature drops in the desert. Consider an awning for Your Truck Shade in the desert comes at a premium, and so does space in your truck. While you can certainly carry a collapsible canopy inside your rig, we’d recommend the ARB Aluminum Awning to keep the weight down, and save space for the things you actually want to deal with on the trail. It’s also easy enough to use, that you can pop that bad boy up at lunch without a second thought, and add to your comfort all day long. Make Sure You’ve Got Enough Fuel If you’ve ever driven through the desert, you know how deceptive the terrain can be. If you’re planning to make a day, or especially a weekend, out of desert wheeling, take some extra fuel. You’ll be glad to have a little extra insurance when the gas station you can totally see in the distance doesn’t seem to be getting any closer. No matter where your adventures take you, when you’re ready to hit the trails, we’ve got all the gear and expertise you need. Call or email our helpful team of off road experts, and we’ll get all your questions answered so you can have a great time on the trails without worrying about all the details.

Custom 2020 RAM 3500 For Sale Truck Custom Built by Expedition Vehicle Outfitters, great tow rig to daily driver. We custom ordered this truck with the largest power and towing output that RAM Trucks offered. The truck features a 6.7L High Output Cummins Diesel making 1075ft pounds of torque straight from the factory. The power is sent into the heavy duty Aisin transmission. This truck is optioned out very nicely and a joy to drive with a 36,000lb factory tow rating. Specs. -46k miles -Oil Changed every 6k miles -Fuel Filter Serviced every 12k miles Upgrades -KC Hilites M-Rack with PRO 6 Light Bar and 4 12” LED Side Lights -Synergy Manufacturing 2.5” Suspension including Radius Correction Brackets Featuring Fox 2.0 Alum. Upgraded Shocks -Air Lift Pro Series Rear Air Helper Springs -Westin Step Bars -37” Milestar Patagonia X/T Tires -20” Gear Off Road Wheels -LED Upgrade Headlights -Ranch Color Matched Topper with interior carpet Over $15,000 in upgrades Shipping Available Nationwide $58,350 Call 989-593-2533 or email Doc@drdeathwobble.com